Publisher: Penguin Teen Canada, February 15th, 2022

Format: ebook

Pages: 272

Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

From National Book Award finalist Akwaeke Emezi comes a companion novel to the critically acclaimed PET that explores both the importance and cost of social revolution–and how youth lead the way.

After a childhood in foster care, Bitter is thrilled to have been chosen to attend Eucalyptus, a special school where she can focus on her painting surrounded by other creative teens. But outside this haven, the streets are filled with protests against the deep injustices that grip the city of Lucille.

Bitter’s instinct is to stay safe within the walls of Eucalyptus . . . but her friends aren’t willing to settle for a world that’s so far away from what they deserve. Pulled between old friendships, her artistic passion, and a new romance, Bitter isn’t sure where she belongs–in the studio or in the streets. And if she does find a way to help the revolution while being true to who she is, she must also ask: at what cost?

This timely and riveting novel–a companion to the National Book Award finalist Pet–explores the power of youth, protest, and art.

My Review:

Thank you Penguin Teen Canada for the copy of this book.
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Read if you like: YA fantasy
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A prequel to the best selling book Pet, we get the backstory of Jam’s parents and how her mother learned that her paintings can come to life.
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I loved this one as much as Pet. The writing is brilliant and Emezi really brings to life what is on the page. Was interesting to read about different levels of participation in a revolution and how the citizens dealt with police brutality.
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CW: violence, police brutality.